Word
victimization
Phoneticsvic·tim·iza·tion
/ˌvɪktəməˈzeɪʃən/
UK spelling · victimisation
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of being treated unfairly or being the target of an attack. It often describes someone who is being picked on or blamed for something they did not do.
n. the state or condition of being treated unfairly, harassed, or targeted for blame. Often refers to the systemic or intentional mistreatment of an individual within a social or professional context.
Examples
“The employee filed a complaint about workplace victimization.”
“The investigation revealed a pattern of victimization where the most talented staff members were systematically passed over for promotions.”
“Legal scholars argue that the victimization of whistleblowers serves as a powerful deterrent against the disclosure of corporate misconduct, ultimately protecting the interests of those in power.”
Examples
simple
“The employee filed a complaint about workplace victimization.”
contextual
“The investigation revealed a pattern of victimization where the most talented staff members were systematically passed over for promotions.”
complex
“Legal scholars argue that the victimization of whistleblowers serves as a powerful deterrent against the disclosure of corporate misconduct, ultimately protecting the interests of those in power.”
Real-World Examples
“But behavior change has not followed, and few, if any, of these programs have resulted in significant changes in victimization or perpetration.” “The research team says the evidence points in the opposite direction—toward victimization, not perpetration.” “People living with daily extortion and victimization want relief quickly.” Etymology
From victim + -ization or victimize + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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